AU2018422256A1

AU2018422256A1 - Refrigerant leakage determination device, air-conditioning apparatus, and refrigerant leakage determination method

Info

Publication number: AU2018422256A1
Application number: AU2018422256A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Masahiko Takagi; Kazuki Watanabe
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2018-05-10
Filing date: 2018-05-10
Publication date: 2020-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-10
Also published as: JPWO2019215877A1; JP7019036B2; EP3584522B1; AU2018422256B2; CN112105876B; US11435102B2; EP3584522A4; CN112105876A; WO2019215877A1; EP3584522A1; US20210018200A1

Abstract

A refrigerant leak determination device comprises: a refrigerant detection sensor for detecting the presence of a gas and transmitting the concentration of the gas as a sensor output; a reporting device for reporting a refrigerant leak; and a control device for controlling the reporting device on the basis of the sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor. The control device has: a storage device for storing two threshold values for the sensor output, and two set times having a set length and corresponding to the threshold values; and a processing device that determines that refrigerant is leaking and operates the reporting device when the sensor output exceeds one or both of the two threshold values, and the length of time in which the sensor output exceeds one or both of the two threshold values exceeds either of the two set times associated respectively with the two threshold values.

Description

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KPO-3860 DESCRIPTION Title of Invention

REFRIGERANT LEAKAGE DETERMINATION DEVICE, AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS, AND REFRIGERANT LEAKAGE DETERMINATION METHOD

Technical Field

[0001]

The present invention relates to a refrigerant leakage determination device

including a gas sensor that detects refrigerant leakage, an air-conditioning apparatus

including the refrigerant leakage determination device, and a refrigerant leakage

determination method using the refrigerant leakage determination device.

Background Art

[0002]

Certain types of refrigerant used in existing air-conditioning apparatuses are

flammable. In a case where flammable refrigerant has leaked out from an indoor

unit, etc., of an air-conditioning apparatus, when the concentration of the leaking

refrigerant exceeds a fixed concentration, there is a risk that the refrigerant is ignited.

In the surrounding area of the air-conditioning apparatus, the concentration of the

refrigerant greatly varies between during operation and during halt of the air

conditioning apparatus. For this reason, an air-conditioning system has been

proposed in which operation information is obtained by a control substrate of the air

conditioning apparatus, a refrigerant concentration level at which an alarm is to be

issued is changed on the basis of the information (see Patent Literature 1, for

example). The air-conditioning system of Patent Literature 1 is controlled such that

a detectable refrigerant concentration level of the refrigerant is lowered when the air

sending device is being operated such that the refrigerant can be detected even when

the concentration of the refrigerant is low.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0003]

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KPO-3860 Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.

2017-53517

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0004]

The air-conditioning system of Patent Literature 1 suctions indoor air through

an air inlet during operation of an indoor unit, and thus, suctions various substances

which are used in an indoor space, together with the indoor air. Consequently, a

refrigerant sensor detects the substances as refrigerant so that the air-conditioning

system may erroneously detect leakage of refrigerant. In particular, in the air

conditioning system of Patent Literature 1, the detectable refrigerant concentration

level is lowered during operation of an air-sending device so that the refrigerant

sensor is likely to detect as a refrigerant a substance which is not refrigerant.

Accordingly, the air-conditioning system tends to erroneously detect leakage of

refrigerant.

[0005] The present invention solves the aforementioned problems, and provides a

refrigerant leakage determination device for preventing erroneous detection of

refrigerant leakage in an air-conditioning apparatus, the air-conditioning apparatus,

and a refrigerant leakage determination method.

Solution to Problem

[0006] A refrigerant leakage determination device according to one embodiment of the

present invention includes a refrigerant detection sensor that detects presence of gas

and transmits a concentration of the gas as a sensor output, an alarm device that

issues an alarm about leakage of refrigerant, and a controller configured to control the

alarm device based on the sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor,

wherein the controller includes a storage device that stores two thresholds for the

sensor output, and two set times each having a length set for each threshold, and a

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KPO-3860 processing device that determines leakage of refrigerant and actuates the alarm

device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0007]

The refrigerant leakage determination device according to one embodiment of

the present invention includes the controller configured to control the alarm device.

The controller includes the storage device that stores the two thresholds for the

sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor and the two set times each having

a length set for each threshold. Further, the controller includes the processing

device that determines that refrigerant leaks and actuates the alarm device when the

sensor output exceeds one or both of the two thresholds and the length of a time

period during which the sensor output exceeds the one or both of the two thresholds

is longer than either one of the two set times associated with the two thresholds.

Since the refrigerant leakage determination device determines leakage of refrigerant

on the basis of the two thresholds and the two set times, erroneous detection in which

other gas such as gas temporally generated due to the use of a spray in an indoor

space is detected as refrigerant leakage can be prevented. As a result, in the

refrigerant leakage determination device, the detection accuracy of refrigerant

leakage can be improved.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008]

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an air

conditioning apparatus including a refrigerant leakage determination device according

to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a bottom view of an indoor unit in Fig. 1.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the indoor unit taken along line A-A in

Fig. 2.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the indoor unit in Fig. 2 from which a suction

grille has been removed.

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[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the refrigerant leakage determination device

according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an alarm condition in the refrigerant

leakage determination device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the refrigerant leakage determination device

according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an alarm condition in the refrigerant

leakage determination device of a comparative example.

[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a refrigerant leakage determination device

according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0009] A refrigerant leakage determination device 1, an air-conditioning apparatus

200, and a refrigerant leakage determination method according to embodiments of

the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings, etc.

In the following drawings including Fig. 1, the relative dimension relationship among

components and the shapes of the components may be different from actual ones.

Furthermore, components denoted by the same reference numeral are identical to, or

are equivalent to one another throughout the drawings. The same applies to the

entire text in the description. Moreover, a term indicative of a direction (e.g., "up", "down", "right", "left", "front", "rear", etc.) is used as appropriate for easy

understanding. However, such an expression is used for convenience of

explanation, but does not place any limitation on the arrangement or direction of a

device or a component.

[0010]

Embodiment 1

[Air-conditioning Apparatus 200]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the air

conditioning apparatus 200 including the refrigerant leakage determination device 1

according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The air-conditioning apparatus

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KPO-3860 200 causes heat to transfer between outdoor air and indoor air via refrigerant to heat

or cool an indoor space, and thereby perform air conditioning. The air-conditioning

apparatus 200 has an outdoor unit 150 and an indoor unit 100. In the air

conditioning apparatus 200, the outdoor unit 150 and the indoor unit 100 are

connected by a refrigerant pipe 120 and a refrigerant pipe 130 so that a refrigerant

circuit 140 in which refrigerant circulates is formed. In the refrigerant circuit 140 of

the air-conditioning apparatus 200, a compressor 31, a flow switching device 32, an

outdoor heat exchanger 33, an expansion valve 34, and an indoor heat exchanger 30

are connected via the refrigerant pipes.

[0011]

(Outdoor Unit 150)

The outdoor unit 150 has the compressor 31, the flow switching device 32, the

outdoor heat exchanger 33, and the expansion valve 34. The compressor 31

compresses refrigerant suctioned thereinto and discharges the refrigerant. Here, the

compressor 31 may include an inverter device, and may be configured to change the

operation frequency by means of the inverter device such that the capacity of the

compressor 31 can be changed. The capacity of the compressor 31 refers to an

amount of refrigerant to be fed per unit time. The flow switching device 32 is a four

way valve, for example, and is a device for switching the direction of a refrigerant flow

path. The air-conditioning apparatus 200 switches the flow of refrigerant by using

the flow switching device 32 on the basis of an instruction from a controller (not

illustrated), so that heating operation or cooling operation can be performed.

[0012]

The outdoor heat exchanger 33 exchanges heat between refrigerant and

outdoor air. During the heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions

as an evaporator to evaporate and gasify low-pressure refrigerant that has flowed in

from the refrigerant pipe 130 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the

outdoor air. During the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions

as a condenser to condense and liquefy the refrigerant that has been compressed by

the compressor 31 and has flowed in from the flow switching device 32 by

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KPO-3860 exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 includes an outdoor air-sending device 36 to enhance the efficiency of

heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. In the outdoor air

sending device 36, an inverter device may be attached thereto to change the

operation frequency of a fan motor, and thereby change the rotating speed of the fan.

The expansion valve 34 is an expansion device (flow control unit), and functions as

an expansion valve by regulating the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the

expansion valve 34, and changes the opening degree thereof to regulate the pressure

of refrigerant. For example, when the expansion valve 34 is made up of an

electronic expansion valve or other valves, the opening degree thereof is adjusted on

the basis of an instruction from a controller (not illustrated) or other devices.

[0013] (Indoor Unit 100)

The indoor unit 100 includes the indoor heat exchanger 30 that exchanges heat

between refrigerant and indoor air, and an air-sending device 20 that adjusts the flow

of air on which heat exchange is performed by the indoor heat exchanger 30. In

addition, the indoor unit 100 includes the refrigerant leakage determination device 1

that detects leakage of refrigerant being used in the refrigeration cycle and issues an

alarm. The configuration and operation of the refrigerant leakage determination

device 1 will be described in detail later. During the heating operation, the indoor

heat exchanger 30 functions as a condenser to condense and liquefy refrigerant

having flowed in from the refrigerant pipe 120 by heat exchange between the

refrigerant and the indoor air, and cause the refrigerant to flow out toward the

refrigerant pipe 130. During the cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 30

functions as an evaporator to evaporate and gasify the refrigerant of which the

pressure has been reduced by the expansion valve 34, by causing the refrigerant to

take heat from indoor air through heat exchange between the refrigerant and the

indoor air, and causes the refrigerant to flow out toward the refrigerant pipe 120.

The operating speed of the air-sending device 20 is determined by user setting. In

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KPO-3860 the air-sending device 20, an inverter device may be attached thereto to change the

[0014]

[Operation Example of Air-conditioning Apparatus 200]

Next, as an operation example of the air-conditioning apparatus 200, an

operation during the cooling operation will be described. High-temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant compressed and discharged by the compressor 31 flows into

the outdoor heat exchanger 33 via the flow switching device 32. The gas refrigerant

having flowed in the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is condensed by heat exchange with

outdoor air sent from the outdoor air-sending device 36, and flows out, as low

temperature refrigerant, from the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The refrigerant having

flowed out from the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is expanded and decompressed by

the expansion valve 34, and becomes low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase

gas-liquid refrigerant. The two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the indoor heat

exchanger 30 of the indoor unit 100 is evaporated by heat exchange with the indoor

air sent by the air-sending device 20, and flows out, as low-temperature and low

pressure gas refrigerant, from the indoor heat exchanger 30. Here, the indoor air

cooled by heat absorption by the refrigerant is blown off, as air-conditioning air

(blown-off air), from the indoor unit 100 to the indoor space (space to be air

conditioned). The gas refrigerant having flowed out from the indoor heat exchanger

is suctioned into the compressor 31 via the flow switching device 32, and is

compressed again. During the cooling operation of the air-conditioning apparatus

200, the aforementioned operation is repeated.

[0015] Next, as an operation example of the air-conditioning apparatus 200, operation

during a heating operation will be described. High-temperature and high-pressure

gas refrigerant compressed and discharged by the compressor 31 flows into the

indoor heat exchanger 30 of the indoor unit 100 via the flow switching device 32.

The gas refrigerant having flowed in the indoor heat exchanger 30 is condensed by

heat exchange with indoor air sent from the air-sending device 20, and flows, as low

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KPO-3860 temperature refrigerant, out from the indoor heat exchanger 30. Here, indoor air

heated by receiving heat from the gas refrigerant is blown off, as air-conditioning air

(blown-off air), out from the indoor unit 100 to the indoor space (space to be air

conditioned). The refrigerant having flowed out from the indoor heat exchanger 30 is

converted to low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant by

being expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve 34. The two-phase gas

liquid refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 of the outdoor unit 150 is

evaporated by heat exchange with outdoor air sent from the outdoor air-sending

device 36, is converted to low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant, and

flows out from the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The gas refrigerant having flowed out

from the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is suctioned into the compressor 31 via the flow

switching device 32, and is compressed again. The aforementioned operation is

repeated during the heating operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 200.

[0016]

[Indoor Unit 100]

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the indoor unit 100 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross

sectional view of the indoor unit 100 taken along line A-A in Fig. 2. In the following

drawings including Fig. 1, an X axis indicates the lateral direction of the indoor unit

100, a Y axis indicates the front-and-back direction of the indoor unit 100, and a Z

axis indicates the height direction of the indoor unit 100. More specifically, a

description of the indoor unit 100 will be given wherein an X1 side and an X2 side are

the left side and the right side of the X axis, respectively, a Y1 side and a Y2 side are

the front side and the rear side of the Y axis, respectively, and a Z1 side and a Z2

side are the upper side and the lower side of the Z axis, respectively. Moreover, any

positional relationship (e.g., the up-down relation, etc.) herein among the components

basically indicates a relationship established when the indoor unit 100 is set in a

usable state. The indoor unit 100 of Embodiment 1 is a ceiling concealed indoor unit

that can be embedded in a ceiling of the indoor space, and is a four-way cassette

type indoor unit with air outlets 13c formed in four directions. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the indoor unit 100 is connected to the outdoor unit 150 through the refrigerant pipe

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KPO-3860 120 and the refrigerant pipe 130 so that the refrigerant circuit 140 in which refrigerant

circulates to carry out cooling and air-conditioning, etc. is formed. Refrigerant having

a density higher than that of air is used in the indoor heat exchanger 30 of the indoor

unit 100. However, refrigerant for use in the indoor heat exchanger 30 of the indoor

unit 100 is not limited to one having a density higher than that of air. Refrigerant

having a density equal to or lower than that of air may be used therefor.

[0017]

The external configuration of the indoor unit 100 will be described by referring

to Figs. 2 and 3. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the indoor unit 100 has a casing 10

accommodating the air-sending device 20 and the indoor heat exchanger 30, etc.

The casing 10 includes a top plate 11 constituting the top wall thereof, and side plates

12 constituting front, rear, left, and right side walls, and has an opening in the lower

side (Z2 side) that faces the indoor space. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a

decorative panel 13 having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view is

attached to the opening portion in the casing 10.

[0018] The decorative panel 13 is a plate-like element, and has one surface facing an

attachment portion of a ceiling, a wall, or other areas, and has the other surface

facing the indoor space to be air-conditioned. As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, an

opening port 13a that is a through hole is formed near the center of the decorative

panel 13, and a suction grille 14 is attached to the opening port 13a. In the suction

grille 14, air inlets 14a through which gas flows from the indoor space to be air

conditioned into the casing 10 are formed. A filter (not illustrated) for removing dust

from air having passed through the suction grille 14 is disposed closer to the casing

of the suction grille 14. In the decorative panel 13, air outlets 13c through which

gas flows out are formed between an outer edge 13b of the decorative panel 13 and

the inner edge forming the opening port 13a. The air outlets 13c are formed to

extend along the four sides of the decorative panel 13. Respective vanes 15 that

change the air flow are provided in the air outlets 13c. The casing 10 forms, in the

casing 10, an air path between the air inlets 14a and the air outlets 13c.

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KPO-3860

[0019] Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the indoor unit 100 in Fig. 2 from which the suction

grille 14 has been removed. Next, the inner configuration of the indoor unit 100 will

be described by referring to Figs. 3 and 4. The indoor unit 100 includes the air

sending device 20 that causes an inflow of indoor gas from the air inlets 14a, and

causes the outflow of gas from the air outlets 13c to the indoor space. The air

sending device 20 is disposed in the casing 10, while facing the suction grille 14.

Further, the air-sending device 20 is disposed in the casing 10 with the rotation axis

of the air-sending device 20 directed to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0020]

The indoor unit 100 further includes the indoor heat exchanger 30 disposed in

the air path between the air-sending device 20 and the air outlets 13c in the casing

10. The indoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat between refrigerant flowing

through the indoor heat exchanger 30 and air flowing through the air path. The

indoor heat exchanger 30 generates air-conditioning air by exchanging heat between

the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 30 and the indoor air. The

indoor heat exchanger 30 is a fin tube type heat exchanger, for example, and is

disposed on the downstream side, in the gas flow, from the air-sending device 20,

and surrounds the air-sending device 20. In the casing 10, the air-sending device 20

and the indoor heat exchanger 30 are disposed on the air downstream side from the

air inlets 14a, and are disposed on the air upstream side from the air outlets 13c.

Also, in the indoor unit 100, the air-sending device 20 is disposed above the suction

grille 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 30 is disposed in the radial direction from the

air-sending device 20. Moreover, in the indoor unit 100, the suction grille 14 is

disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 30.

[0021]

In addition, the indoor unit 100 includes a bell mouse 16. Asillustratedin

Figs. 3 and 4, the bell mouse 16 is provided, on an air inflow side of the indoor unit

100, upstream from the air-sending device 20. The bell mouse 16 regulates gas

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KPO-3860 having flowed therein from the air inlet 14a of the suction grille 14, and sends the gas

to the air-sending device 20.

[0022]

Further, the indoor unit 100 includes, in the casing 10, an electric component

box 40 between the bell mouse 16 and the suction grille 14. The electric component

box 40 is provided therein a device such as a controller 2 that controls the entirety of

the air-conditioning apparatus 200. A device in the electric component box 40

supplies electric power to the devices in the indoor unit 100, and exchanges signals

(communicates) with the devices constituting the air-conditioning apparatus 200.

The electric component box 40 is formed to have a substantially cuboid shape. The

electric component box 40 is disposed in the opening port 13a formed in the

decorative panel 13, in a plan view when viewed from the indoor space side to the

ceiling. The electric component box 40 is disposed with the lengthwise direction

thereof extending along an edge of the decorative panel 13 constituting one side of

the opening port 13a. The electric component box 40 is fixed inside the casing 10

with a fixing element such as a screw.

[0023]

Moreover, the indoor unit 100 includes a refrigerant detection sensor 50 that

detects leakage of refrigerant. The refrigerant detection sensor 50 is disposed in a

sensor holder 60. The refrigerant detection sensor 50 is driven by power supply

from the indoor unit 100 or by power supply from an external power source at a site

where the indoor unit 100 is set. In a case where the refrigerant detection sensor 50

is not configured to be driven by power supply from the indoor unit 100 or the external

power source, a battery incorporated in the electric component box 40 or the sensor

holder 60 may be used, for example. The sensor holder 60 fixes the refrigerant

detection sensor 50 in the casing 10, and also protects the refrigerant detection

sensor 50 from dust, etc. The sensor holder 60 is inserted in the electric component

box 40, and is fixed to the electric component box 40. Therefore, the refrigerant

detection sensor 50 is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 30, and is disposed

near the air inlets 14a formed in the suction grille 14.

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KPO-3860

[0024]

[Refrigerant Leakage Determination Device 1]

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the refrigerant leakage determination device 1

according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the air-conditioning apparatus 200, the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 detects that refrigerant

used in the refrigeration cycle has been leaked, and issues an alarm. The

refrigerant leakage determination device 1 is disposed inside the casing 10 of the

indoor unit 100 constituting the air-conditioning apparatus 200, and includes the

controller 2 that controls the air-conditioning apparatus 200, the refrigerant detection

sensor 50 that detects leakage of refrigerant, and an alarm device 3 that issues an

alarm about leakage of refrigerant.

[0025]

(Controller 2)

The controller 2 controls the alarm device 3 on the basis of comparison of the

sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 with information in a storage

device 22. The controller 2 is a microcomputer, for example. The controller 2

includes a processing device 21 that executes processes in accordance with a

program, the storage device 22 that stores the program, and a clocking device 23 that

performs clocking. When determining leakage of refrigerant, the controller 2

actuates the alarm device 3 by sending an alarm signal to actuate the alarm device 3.

When determining leakage of refrigerant during halt of the air-sending device 20, the

controller 2 may actuate the air-sending device 20 to stir stagnating refrigerant.

[0026]

The processing device 21 of the controller 2 determines whether or not

refrigerant has leaked on the basis of comparison of the sensor output transmitted

from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 with the information in the storage device 22.

When the sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 exceeds thresholds

stored in the storage device 22 and the length of a time period during which the

sensor output exceeds one or both of two thresholds is longer than either one of two

set times each associated with the two thresholds stored in the storage device 22, the

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KPO-3860 processing device 21 determines that refrigerant has leaked. When determining

leakage of refrigerant, the processing device 21 actuates the alarm device 3. The

processing device 21 is a control arithmetic processing device such as a central

processing unit (CPU).

[0027]

In the storage device 22 of the controller 2, the two thresholds, which are for

the sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 and are preliminarily set by

an operator, and the two set times each having a prescribed length set by the

operator for each threshold are stored. Information about the two thresholds and the two set times is stored in the storage device 22 by the operator. The storage device

22 includes a volatile storage device (not illustrated) and/or a nonvolatile auxiliary

storage device (not illustrated). Examples of the volatile storage device (not

illustrated) include a random access memory (RAM) that can temporarily store data.

Examples of the nonvolatile auxiliary storage device include a hard disk or a flash

memory that can store data for a long time period.

[0028]

The clocking device 23 of the controller 2 includes a timer, etc., and clocks a

time for use in determination of a time period by the processing device 21.

[0029]

(Refrigerant Detection Sensor 50)

The refrigerant detection sensor 50 is a gas sensor that detects presence of

gas and transmits the concentration of the gas as a sensor output. The refrigerant

detection sensor 50 is a semiconductor gas sensor, for example. In the

semiconductor gas sensor, when reducing gas comes into contact with a detection

unit, oxygen atoms in the detection unit desorb. Thus, the electric resistance of the

detection unit is reduced. The semiconductor gas sensor detects the gas on the

basis of reduction of the electric resistance. The refrigerant detection sensor 50

includes a sensor unit 51 for detecting gas, and a sensor control unit 52 that converts

the detection result by the sensor unit 51 into a sensor output (ppm), and transmits

the sensor output (ppm) to the controller 2. The refrigerant detection sensor 50 is

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KPO-3860 connected to the controller 2 by a cable or radio. The sensor output (ppm), which is based on the electric resistance value of the refrigerant detection sensor 50, is

received by the controller 2. The sensor control unit 52 includes a storage unit 52a, and thus, can save the sensor output (ppm). For example, the sensor control unit 52

is a microcomputer having a control arithmetic processing device such as a central

processing unit (CPU). Also, the storage unit 52a includes a volatile storage device

(not illustrated) and/or a nonvolatile auxiliary storage device (not illustrated).

Examples of the volatile storage device (not illustrated) include a random access

memory (RAM) that can temporarily store data. Examples of the nonvolatile

auxiliary storage device include a hard disk or a flash memory that can store data for

a long time period.

[0030]

(Alarm Device 3)

The alarm device 3 is a device that issues an alarm about leakage of

refrigerant and causes a person to know the leakage of refrigerant. The alarm

device 3 is connected to the controller 2 by a cable or radio, and when the controller 2

detects leakage of refrigerant, the alarm device 3 receives an alarm signal transmitted

from the controller 2 and issues an alarm. In a method of issuing an alarm by means

of the alarm device 3, a warning sound of a buzzer, etc., is emitted, for example,

whereby an alarm about leakage of refrigerant is given to people by use of the sound.

Alternatively, in a method of issuing an alarm by means of the alarm device 3, a

warning lamp, etc., is lit or is caused to flash, for example, whereby an alarm about

leakage of refrigerant may be given to people by use of the light. Alternatively, in a

method of issuing an alarm by means of the alarm device 3, an alarm about leakage

of refrigerant may be given to people by use of both the sound and the light.

[0031] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an alarm condition of the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 6

shows an alarm condition of the refrigerant leakage determination device 1. The

alarm condition refers to a condition under which leakage of refrigerant is determined

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KPO-3860 by the controller 2. In addition, a sensor output shown in Fig. 6 indicates a

refrigerant concentration [ppm] obtained by converting the output voltage from the

refrigerant detection sensor 50.

[0032] A first set value Set1 and a second set value Set2 shown in Fig. 6 are two

thresholds for the sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50. The two

thresholds are preliminarily set by an operator, and are stored in the storage device

22. As shown in Fig. 6, the second set value Set2 is greater than the first set value

Set1. That is, the aforementioned two thresholds stored in the storage device 22

include the first set value Set1 and the second set value Set2 that is greater than the

first set value Set1.

[0033]

A first alarm postponement time t1 and a second alarm postponement time t2

shown in Fig. 6 are two set times having a prescribed length preliminary set by the

operator for each threshold. The two set times are preliminarily stored in the storage

device 22. As shown in Fig. 6, the first alarm postponement time t1 is longer than

the second alarm postponement time t2. That is, the aforementioned two set times

stored in the storage device 22 include the first alarm postponement time t1 and the

second alarm postponement time t2 that is shorter than the first alarm postponement

time t1.

[0034]

When the sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 exceeds the

first set value Set1 and a time period of the state where the sensor output exceeds

the first set value Set1 is longer than the first alarm postponement time tl, the

processing device 21 of the controller 2 determines that refrigerant leaks. That is, when the sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 exceeds the first set

value Set1 and the length (elapsed time tcl) of a time period during which the sensor

output continues to exceed the first set value Set1 after the sensor output exceeded

processing device 21 determines that refrigerant leaks. Alternatively, when the

UUUU IVU KPO-3860 sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 exceeds the second set value

Set2 and a time period of the state where the sensor output exceeds the second set

value Set2 is longer than the second alarm postponement time t2, the processing

device 21 of the controller 2 determines that refrigerant leaks. That is, when the

sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 exceeds the second set value

Set2 and the length (elapsed time tc2) of a time period during which the sensor output

continues to exceed the second set value Set2 after the sensor output exceeded the

second set value Set2 is longer than the second alarm postponement time t2, the

processing device 21 of the controller 2 determines that refrigerant leaks. After

determining leakage of refrigerant, the processing device 21 of the controller 2

understands that the alarm condition has been satisfied, and issues an alarm via the

alarm device 3.

[0035]

[Refrigerant Leakage Determination Method]

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 according

to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Next, a determination method in the

refrigerant leakage determination device 1 will be described by referring to Figs. 6

and 7. Power is supplied to the indoor unit 100, the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1 is actuated, and thus, a refrigerant leakage determination

operation is started (step S1). The controller 2 monitors the sensor output [ppm]

obtained by converting the output voltage from the refrigerant detection sensor 50

(step S2). The processing device 21 of the controller 2 determines whether or not

the sensor output [ppm] is greater than the first set value Set1 stored in the storage

device 22 by referring to the data stored in the storage device 22 (step S3). When

determining that the sensor output [ppm] is equal to or less than the first set value

Set1 by referring to the data stored in the storage device 22, the processing device 21

of the controller 2 continues monitoring the sensor output [ppm] obtained by

converting the output voltage from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 (step S2).

When determining that the sensor output [ppm] is greater than the first set value Set1,

the processing device 21 of the controller 2 refers to the data stored in the storage

UUUU IU

KPO-3860 device 22 and a time obtained by the clocking device 23. Subsequently, the processing device 21 of the controller 2 determines whether or not the elapsed time

tcl during which the sensor output continues to exceed the first set value Set1 after

the first set value Set1 was exceeded is longer than the first alarm postponement time

t1 stored in the storage device 22 (step S4). When determining that the elapsed

time tcl is longer than the first alarm postponement time t1, the processing device 21

of the controller 2 sends an alarm signal to the alarm device 3 to issue an alarm about

leakage of refrigerant (step S5). When determining that the elapsed time tcl is

equal to or shorter than the first alarm postponement time t1 (for example, range A in

Fig. 6), the processing device 21 of the controller 2 continues monitoring the sensor

output [ppm] obtained by converting the output voltage from the refrigerant detection

sensor 50 (step S2).

[0036]

When determining that the sensor output [ppm] is greater than the first set

value Set1 at step S3, the processing device 21 of the controller 2 refers to the data

stored in the storage device 22. Subsequently, in parallel with (step S4), the

processing device 21 of the controller 2 determines whether or not the sensor output

[ppm] is greater than the second set value Set2 stored in the storage device 22 (step

S6). The second set value Set2 is greater than the first set value Set1. When

determining that the sensor output [ppm] is equal to or less than the second set value

Set2 by referring to the data stored in the storage device 22, the processing device 21

of the controller 2 determines the relationship between the elapsed time tcl of the first

set value Set1 and the first alarm postponement time t1. That is, the processing

device 21 of the controller 2 determines whether or not the elapsed time tcl during

which the sensor output continues to exceed the first set value Set1 after the first set

value Set1 was exceeded is longer than the first alarm postponement time t1 stored

in the storage device 22 (step S4). When determining that the sensor output [ppm]

is greater than the second set value Set2 at (step S6), the processing device 21 of

the controller 2 refers to the data stored in the storage device 22 and a time obtained

by the clocking device 23. Subsequently, the processing device 21 of the controller

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KPO-3860 2 determines whether or not the elapsed time tc2 during which the sensor output

continues to exceed the second set value Set2 after the second set value Set2 was

exceeded is longer than the second alarm postponement time t2 stored in the storage

device 22 (step S7). The second alarm postponement time t2 is shorter than the first

alarm postponement time t1. When determining that the elapsed time tc2 is longer

than the second alarm postponement time t2, the processing device 21 of the

controller 2 sends an alarm signal to the alarm device 3 to issue an alarm about

leakage of refrigerant (step S8). When determining that the elapsed time tc2 is

equal to or shorter than the second alarm postponement time t2, the processing

device 21 of the controller 2 determines the relationship between the elapsed time tcl

of the first set value Set1 and the first alarm postponement time t1. That is, the

processing device 21 of the controller 2 determines whether or not the elapsed time

t1 stored in the storage device 22 (step S4).

[0037]

The refrigerant leakage determination device 1 includes the controller 2 that

controls the alarm device 3, as described above. The controller 2 includes the

storage device 22 that stores the two thresholds for the sensor output from the

refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the two set times each having a length set for

each threshold. The controller 2 further includes the processing device 21 that, when the sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 exceeds one or both

of the two thresholds and the length of a time period during which the sensor output

exceeds the one or both of the two thresholds is longer than either one of the two set

time periods each associated with the two thresholds, determines that refrigerant

leaks and actuates the alarm device. Since the refrigerant leakage determination

device 1 determines leakage of refrigerant on the basis of the two thresholds and the

two set times, erroneous detection in which other gases such as a gas temporarily

generated due to the use of a spray in an indoor space, for example, is detected as

leakage of refrigerant can be prevented. As a result, the refrigerant leakage

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KPO-3860 determination device 1 can have an improved detection accuracy of refrigerant

leakage.

[0038] In addition, the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 has two alarm points

(conditions for issuing an alarm). At an alarm point C1, when the sensor output

equal to or greater than the first set value Set1 continues for the first alarm

postponement time t1 or longer, an alarm is issued. At an alarm point C2, when the

sensor output equal to or greater than the second set value Set2 continues for the

second alarm postponement time t2 or longer, an alarm is issued. Here, the alarm

condition of the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 is that the first set value

Set1 < the second set value Set2, and the first alarm postponement time t1 > the

second alarm postponement time t2. The alarm point C1 is provided on an

assumption that leakage of refrigerant is detected during operation of the indoor unit

100, and a purpose thereof is to detect refrigeration and to prevent erroneous

detection. Specifically, when the first alarm postponement time t1 is set to 30

seconds, temporary erroneous detection due to a deodorant spray or an insecticide,

for example, used by a user in a living environment can be prevented. In addition, the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 can address slight leakage of

refrigerant (slow leakage) caused by corrosion due to the presence of an ant nest, for

example, in an inner pipe of the indoor unit 100. The alarm point C2 is provided on

an assumption that a leakage site in the indoor unit 100 is caused by a crack in a

thick pipe, and a purpose thereof is to quickly detect refrigerant getting out vigorously

when a crack is caused in a thick pipe. The refrigerant leakage determination device

1 has the alarm point C1 and the alarm point C2, such that erroneous detection of

other gas, etc., can be prevented and reliable detection of leakage of refrigerant

associated with a refrigerant leakage state can be realized. The alarm point C1 and

the alarm point C2 may be normally enabled, irrespective of the state of the indoor

unit 100. Alternatively, the alarm point C1 and the alarm point C2 may be enabled

during operation of the indoor unit 100 and the alarm point C2 alone may be enabled

during a halted time of the indoor unit 100.

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KPO-3860

[0039] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an alarm condition of a refrigerant leakage

determination device of a comparative example. As the refrigerant leakage determination device of the comparative example, a refrigerant leakage determination

device that, without being provided with two alarm points, issues an alarm at a time

point (tO) when the sensor output exceeds the first set value Set1, as shown in Fig. 8,

may be used. However, in the refrigerant leakage determination device of the

comparative example, since an alarm is issued at the time point (tO) when the sensor

output exceeds the first set value Set1, various miscellaneous gases in use such as a

gas generated due to the use of a spray may be detected. Consequently, the

refrigerant leakage determination device of the comparative example may

erroneously detect leakage of refrigerant. In contrast, the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1 can reliably detect leakage of refrigerant by using the alarm

point C1 and the alarm point C2, and also can prevent erroneous detection of

refrigerant due to the use of a spray, etc., which has not been addressed by the

conventional technique.

[0040]

In the air-conditioning apparatus 200, the indoor unit 100 includes the

refrigerant leakage determination device 1. Therefore, the air-conditioning

apparatus 200 having effects of the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 can be

obtained. Since the air-conditioning apparatus 200 includes the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1 according to Embodiment 1, reliable detection of leakage of

refrigerant in accordance with a refrigerant leakage state can be realized, and

erroneous detection of refrigerant due to use of a spray, etc., which has not been

addressed by the existing technique, can also be prevented.

[0041]

The refrigerant leakage determination method includes a step of monitoring the

sensor output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 by means of the controller 2,

and a step of determining whether or not the sensor output is greater than the first set

value Set1 stored in the storage device 22 by referring to the data stored in the

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KPO-3860 storage device 22. The refrigerant determination method further includes a step of,

when the controller 2 determines that the sensor output is greater than the first set

value Set1, referring to the data stored in the storage device 22 and the time of the

clocking device 23, and determining, by means of the controller 2, whether or not the

elapsed time tcl during which the sensor output exceeds the first set value Set1 is

longer than the first alarm postponement time t1 stored in the storage device 22.

The refrigerant determination method further includes a step of, when the controller 2

determines that the sensor output is greater than the first set value Set1, referring to

the data stored in the storage device 22, and determining, by means of the controller

2, whether or not the sensor output is greater than the second set value Set2 that is

greater than the first set value Set1 and that is stored in the storage device 22.

Moreover, the refrigerant leakage determination method includes a step of, when the

controller 2 determines that the sensor output is greater than the second set value

Set2, referring to the data stored in the storage device 22 and the time obtained by

the clocking device 23, and determining, by means of the controller 2, whether or not

the elapsed time tc2 during which the sensor output exceeds the second set value

Set2 is longer than the second alarm postponement time t2 that is shorter than the

first alarm postponement time t1 and that is stored in the storage device 22. Further, the refrigerant leakage determination method includes a step of, when the controller 2

determines that the elapsed time tcl during which the sensor exceeds the first set

value Set1 is longer than the first alarm postponement time t1, sending an alarm

signal from the controller 2 to the alarm device 3 to issue an alarm about leakage of

refrigerant. Alternatively, the refrigerant leakage determination method includes a

step of, when the controller 2 determines that the elapsed time tc2 during which the

sensor output exceeds the second set value Set2 is longer than the second alarm

postponement time t2, sending an alarm signal from the controller 2 to the alarm

device 3 to issue an alarm about leakage of refrigerant. The refrigerant leakage

determination method includes a step using a combination of the two setting

thresholds and the two alarm postponement times. Accordingly, reliable detection of

leakage of refrigerant in accordance with a refrigerant leakage amount can be

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KPO-3860 realized, and erroneous detection of refrigerant due to the use of a spray, etc., which

has not been addressed by the existing technique, can also be prevented.

[0042]

Embodiment 2

[Configuration of Refrigerant Leakage Determination Device 1]

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 according

to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The configuration of the refrigerant

leakage determination device 1 according to Embodiment 2 is identical to the

configuration of the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 according to

Embodiment 1. The refrigerant leakage determination device 1 according to

Embodiment 2 is different in the post-refrigerant leakage determination operation from

the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

Configurations, which are not specifically noted otherwise, of the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1 according to Embodiment 2 are identical to those of the

refrigerant leakage determination device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present

invention, and functions or components identical to each other are denoted by the

same reference signs.

[0043]

The refrigerant detection sensor 50 uses a semiconductor as a gas sensing

element. Therefore, in the refrigerant detection sensor 50, when the concentration

of exposed refrigerant is high, the sensitivity of the sensor unit 51 may rapidly

deteriorate. When the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 issues an alarm

under the condition of the alarm point C1, the refrigerant concentration is low so that

the deterioration level of the refrigerant detection sensor 50 is low. Thus, even after

an alarm is issued, the refrigerant detection sensor 50 remains usable. On the other

hand, when the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 issues an alarm under the

condition of the alarm point C2, the sensor unit 51 is exposed to high-concentration

refrigerant so that deterioration of the sensitivity of the sensor unit 51 may have

progressed. Therefore, since a property detected by the refrigerant detection sensor

may be unintendedly shifted, continuous usage of the identical refrigerant

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KPO-3860 detection sensor 50 after an alarm is issued is not desirable. An object of Embodiment 2 is to distinguish whether an alarm is issued by the refrigerant detection

sensor 50 that is used in the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 on the basis

of a reversible reaction of the sensor unit 51, or on the basis of an irreversible

reaction of the sensor unit 51 due to exposure to high-concentration refrigerant.

[0044]

[Refrigerant Leakage Determination Method]

A refrigerant leakage determination method for the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1 according to Embodiment 2 is identical to the refrigerant

leakage determination method composed of steps S1 to S8 for the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1 according to Embodiment 2, and thus, an explanation thereof

is omitted.

[0045]

[Operation of Refrigerant Leakage Determination Device 1]

(Case of Alarm Point C1)

When determining that the elapsed time tcl is longer than the first alarm

postponement time t1l, the processing device 21 of the controller 2 sends an alarm

signal to the alarm device 3 to issue an alarm about leakage of refrigerant (step S5).

In this case, while issuing an alarm about leakage of refrigerant by means of the

alarm device 3, the controller 2 continues monitoring the sensor output [ppm]

obtained by converting the output voltage from the refrigerant detection sensor 50.

Then, the processing device 21 of the controller 2 determines whether or not the

sensor output [ppm] is greater than the second set value Set2, by referring to the data

stored in the storage device 22 (step S9). When the sensor output [ppm] is equal to

or less than the second set value Set2, an operator can reset the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1 after handling the leakage of refrigerant (step S10). In a

method for resetting the refrigerant leakage determination device 1, the resetting is

performed by turning on a breaker of the air-conditioning apparatus 200 after once

turning off the breaker, for example. When the operator resets the refrigerant

leakage determination device 1, an abnormality record is deleted (step S11). The

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KPO-3860 abnormality record refers to information indicating that refrigerant has leaked. After the abnormality record indicative of leakage of refrigerant is deleted, the controller 2

continues monitoring the sensor output [ppm] obtained by converting the output

voltage from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 (step S2).

[0046]

When the processing device 21 of the controller 2 determines that the sensor

output [ppm] is greater than the second set value Set2 at (step S9), an abnormality

record is stored in the storage unit 52a of the refrigerant detection sensor 50 (step

S12). After the abnormality record is stored in the storage unit 52a, the abnormality

record is not deleted even when the operator resets the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1. In addition, even when the air-conditioning apparatus 200

and the indoor unit 100 are turned off, the abnormality record remains stored. After

the abnormality record is stored in the storage unit 52a, the sensor control unit 52 of

the refrigerant detection sensor 50 constantly transmits the sensor output [ppm]

greater than the second set value Set2 to the controller 2. Subsequently, the

controller 2 acknowledges that refrigerant has leaked, and issues an alarm by means

of the alarm device 3 to give an instruction to exchange the refrigerant detection

sensor 50 (step S13). That is, when the alarm device 3 is actuated after the

operator handles leakage of refrigerant, the refrigerant detection sensor 50 needs to

be exchanged. For the instruction to exchange the refrigerant detection sensor 50, the air-conditioning apparatus 200 may be controlled such that the air-conditioning

apparatus 200 is not actuated by the controller 2, in association with the actuation of

the alarm device 3 by the controller 2 or instead of the actuation of the alarm device 3

by the controller 2, for example. Alternatively, for the instruction to exchange the

refrigerant detection sensor 50, an alarm may be issued from another device such as

an LED, a liquid crystal display, or a loudspeaker, which is separated from the alarm

device 3. In accordance with the instruction to exchange the refrigerant detection

sensor 50, the operator exchanges the refrigerant detection sensor 50. The

controller 2 determines whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 50 has been

exchanged (step S14). When the refrigerant detection sensor 50 has not been

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KPO-3860 exchanged, the sensor control unit 52 of the refrigerant detection sensor 50

constantly transmits the sensor output [ppm] greater than the second set value Set2

to the controller 2 on the basis of the abnormality record stored in the storage unit

52a. Consequently, the controller 2 acknowledges that refrigerant has leaked, and

issues an alarm by means of the alarm device 3 to give an instruction to exchange

the refrigerant detection sensor 50 (step S13). When the refrigerant detection

sensor 50 has been exchanged, no abnormality record is stored in the storage unit

52a of the new refrigerant detection sensor 50. Consequently, the controller 2

receives, from the sensor control unit 52, the sensor output obtained by converting

the actual output voltage detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 50. Then, the

controller 2 monitors the sensor output [ppm] obtained by converting the output

voltage from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 (step S2).

[0047]

(Case of Alarm Point C2)

When determining that the elapsed time tc2 is longer than the second alarm

postponement time t2, the processing device 21 of the controller 2 sends an alarm

signal to the alarm device 3 to issue an alarm about leakage of refrigerant (step S8).

An abnormality record is stored in the storage unit 52a of the refrigerant detection

sensor 50 (step S15) because the sensor output [ppm] is greater than the second set

value Set2. After the abnormality record is stored in the storage unit 52a, the

abnormality record is not deleted even when an operator resets the refrigerant

leakage determination device 1. In addition, even after the air-conditioning

apparatus 200 and the indoor unit 100 are turned off, the abnormality record remains

stored. When the abnormality record is stored in the storage unit 52a, the sensor

control unit 52 of the refrigerant detection sensor 50 constantly transmits the sensor

output [ppm] greater than the second set value Set2 to the controller 2. Then, the

controller 2 understands that refrigerant has leaked, and issues an alarm by means of

the alarm device 3 to give an instruction to exchange the refrigerant detection sensor

(stepS16). That is, when the alarm device 3 is actuated after the operator

handles leakage of refrigerant, the refrigerant detection sensor 50 needs to be

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KPO-3860 exchanged. For the instruction to exchange the refrigerant detection sensor 50, the

air-conditioning apparatus 200 may be controlled such that the air-conditioning

refrigerant detection sensor 50, an alarm may be given from another device such as

sensor 50, the operator exchanges the refrigerant detection sensor 50. The

exchanged (step S17). When the refrigerant detection sensor 50 has not been

exchanged, the sensor control unit 52 of the refrigerant detection sensor 50

52a. Accordingly, the controller 2 acknowledges that refrigerant has leaked, and

the refrigerant detection sensor 50 (step S16). When the refrigerant detection

52a of the new refrigerant detection sensor 50. Accordingly, the controller 2

controller 2 monitors the sensor output [ppm] obtained by converting the output

voltage from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 (step S2).

[0048]

As described above, the refrigerant detection sensor 50 includes the sensor

unit 51 that detects gas, and the sensor control unit 52 that converts the detection

result by the sensor unit 51 into the sensor output. In the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1, when the processing device 21 determines that refrigerant

leaks and the second set value Set2 is determined to be exceeded by the sensor

output, an abnormality record is stored in the sensor control unit 52. After the

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KPO-3860 abnormality record is stored, the sensor control unit 52 constantly transmits the

sensor output that is exceeding the second set value Set2 to the controller 2.

Therefore, the controller 2 acknowledges that refrigerant has leaked, and controls the

alarm device 3 to issue an alarm. When the alarm from the alarm device 3

continues even after the operator turns off the air-conditioning apparatus 200 and

turns on the air-conditioning apparatus 200 again, the operator understands that the

alarm about leakage of refrigerant has been issued on the basis of the alarm point

C2. Thus, the operator can understand that the refrigerant detection sensor 50, which has been exposed to high-concentration refrigerant, needs to be exchanged.

That is, the controller 2 monitors the output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50

after the alarm is issued from the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 so that

the operator can determine whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 50 has

been deteriorated, and can determine whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor

can be continuously used. Consequently, the refrigerant detection sensor 50

does not need to be exchanged whenever the refrigerant leakage determination

device 1 issues an alarm. Reduction of the number of maintenance services and

reduction of the material cost can be expected.

[0049]

In the air-conditioning apparatus 200, the indoor unit 100 includes the

refrigerant leakage determination device 1. Therefore, the air-conditioning

obtained. That is, the controller 2 monitors the output from the refrigerant detection

sensor 50 after an alarm is issued from the refrigerant leakage determination device 1

so that the operator can determine whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 50

has been deteriorated, and can determine whether or not the refrigerant detection

sensor 50 can be continuously used. Consequently, the refrigerant detection sensor

does not need to be exchanged whenever the refrigerant leakage determination

device 1 used in the air-conditioning apparatus 200 issues an alarm. Reduction of

the number of services and reduction of the material cost can be expected.

[0050]

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KPO-3860 Further, the refrigerant leakage determination method includes a step of, when

the controller 2 determines that the elapsed time tcl during which the sensor output

exceeds the first set value Set1 is longer than the first alarm postponement time t1,

sending an alarm signal from the controller 2 to the alarm device 3 to issue an alarm

about leakage of refrigerant. Alternatively, the refrigerant leakage determination

method includes a step of, when the controller 2 determines that the elapsed time tc2

during which the sensor output exceeds the second set value Set2 is longer than the

second alarm postponement time t2, sending an alarm signal from the controller 2 to

the alarm device 3 to issue an alarm about leakage of refrigerant. The refrigerant

leakage determination method further includes a step of, when the sensor output from

the refrigerant detection sensor 50 is greater than the second set value Set2, storing

an abnormality record in the storage unit 52a of the refrigerant detection sensor 50.

The refrigerant leakage determination method further includes a step of, after the

abnormality record is stored in the storage unit 52a, the sensor control unit 52 of the

refrigerant detection sensor 50 constantly transmits the sensor output greater than

the second set value Set2 to the controller 2. Therefore, the controller 2

acknowledges that refrigerant has leaked, and controls the alarm device 3 to issue an

alarm. When an alarm from the alarm device 3 continues even after the operator

turns off the air-conditioning apparatus 200 and turns on the air-conditioning

apparatus 200 again, the operator understands that the alarm about leakage of

refrigerant has been issued on the basis of the alarm point C2, so that the operator

can understand that the refrigerant detection sensor 50, which has been exposed to

high-concentration refrigerant, needs to be exchanged. That is, the controller 2

monitors the output from the refrigerant detection sensor 50 after the alarm is issued

from the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 so that the operator can

determine whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 50 has been deteriorated,

and can determine whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 50 can be

continuously used. Consequently, the refrigerant detection sensor 50 does not need

to be exchanged whenever the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 issues an

alarm. Reduction of the number of maintenance services and reduction of the

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KPO-3860 material cost can be expected. In addition, by the refrigerant leakage determination

method, leakage of refrigerant can be reliably detected, and erroneous detection of

refrigerant due to use of a spray, etc., which has not been addressed by the existing

technique, can also be prevented.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to aforementioned

Embodiments 1 and 2, and various modifications can be made. In aforementioned

Embodiment 1, the indoor unit 100 that is a four-way cassette type having the air

outlets 13c formed in four directions has been described. However, the air outlets 13c may be formed in one or more directions including one direction and two

directions, for example. Also, the indoor unit 100 that is a ceiling concealed type has

been described. However, the indoor unit 100 is not limited to a ceiling embedded

type, and a wall hanging type may be used therefor. The case where the refrigerant

leakage determination device 1 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 is used for the air

conditioning apparatus 200 has been described. However, the refrigerant leakage

determination device 1 may be used not only for the air-conditioning apparatus 200,

but also for other refrigeration apparatuses without limitation. Examples of the

refrigeration apparatuses include any apparatus having a refrigeration cycle such as a

refrigerator or a freezer. Also, the refrigerant leakage determination device 1 may be

used not only for refrigeration apparatuses but also for other apparatuses that use

refrigerant without limitation.

Reference Signs List

[0052] 1 refrigerant leakage determination device, 2 controller, 3 alarm

device, 10 casing, 11 topplate, 12 side plate, 13 decorative

panel,13a opening port, 13b outeredge, 13c airoutlet, 14 suction

grille, 14a airinlet, 15 vane, 16 bell mouse, 20 air-sending device, 21

processing device, 22 storage device, 23 clocking device, 30 indoor

heat exchanger, 31 compressor, 32 flow switching device, 33 outdoor

heat exchanger, 34 expansion valve, 36 outdoor air-sending device, 40

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KPO-3860 electric component box, 50 refrigerant detection sensor, 51 sensor unit, 52 sensor control unit,52a storage unit, 60 sensor holder,100 indoor unit, 120 refrigerant pipe, 130 refrigerant pipe, 140 refrigerant circuit, 150 outdoor

unit, 200 air-conditioning apparatus

Claims

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KPO-3860 CLAIMS

[Claim 1] A refrigerant leakage determination device comprising:

a refrigerant detection sensor that detects presence of gas and transmits a

concentration of the gas as a sensor output;

an alarm device that issues an alarm about leakage of refrigerant; and

a controller configured to control the alarm device based on the sensor output

from the refrigerant detection sensor, wherein

the controller includes

a storage device that stores two thresholds for the sensor output, and

two set times each having a length set for each of the two thresholds, and

a processing device determines that refrigerant leaks and actuates the

alarm device when the sensor output exceeds one or both of the two thresholds and a

length of a time period during which the sensor output exceeds the one or both of the

two thresholds is longer than either one of the two set times associated with the two

thresholds.
[Claim 2]

The refrigerant leakage determination device of claim 1, wherein

the thresholds include

a first set value and a second set value that is greater than the first set

value,

the set times include

a first alarm postponement time and a second alarm postponement time

that is shorter than the first alarm postponement time, and

the processing device determines that refrigerant leaks

when the sensor output exceeds the first set value and a length of a time

period during which the sensor output exceeds the first set value is longer than the

first alarm postponement time, or

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KPO-3860 when the sensor output exceeds the second set value and a length of a

time period during which the sensor output exceeds the second set value is longer

than the second alarm postponement time.
[Claim 3]

The refrigerant leakage determination device of claim 2, wherein

the refrigerant detection sensor includes

a sensor unit that detects gas, and

a sensor control unit that converts a detection result by the sensor unit to

the sensor output, and transmits the sensor output to the controller,

when the processing device determines leakage of refrigerant and determines

that the sensor output exceeds the second set value, an abnormality record is stored

in the sensor control unit, and

after the abnormality record is stored, the sensor control unit constantly

transmits the sensor output that exceeds the second set value to the controller.
[Claim 4]

An air-conditioning apparatus comprising:

a compressor that compresses refrigerant suctioned thereinto and discharges

the refrigerant;

an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between refrigerant and

outdoor air;

an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between refrigerant and indoor

air;

an expansion valve that regulates a pressure of refrigerant; and

the refrigerant leakage determination device of any one of claims 1 to 3.
[Claim 5]

A refrigerant leakage determination method comprising the steps of:

monitoring, by means of a controller, a sensor output from a refrigerant

detection sensor;

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KPO-3860 determining, by means of the controller, whether or not the sensor output is

greater than a first set value stored in a storage device by referring to data stored in

the storage device;

when the controller determines that the sensor output is greater than the first

set value, determining, by means of the controller, whether or not an elapsed time

during which the sensor output exceeds the first set value is longer than a first alarm

postponement time stored in the storage device by referring to the data stored in the

storage device and a time obtained by a clocking device;

when the controller determines that the sensor output is greater than the first

set value, determining, by means of the controller, whether or not the sensor output is

greater than a second set value that is stored in the storage device and is greater

than the first set value by referring to the data stored in the storage device;

when the controller determines that the sensor output is greater than the

second set value, determining, by means of the controller, whether or not an elapsed

time during which the sensor output exceeds the second set value is longer than a

second alarm postponement time that is stored in the storage device and is shorter

than the first alarm postponement time by referring to the data stored in the storage

device and a time obtained by the clocking device; and

when the controller determines that the elapsed time during which the sensor

output exceeds the first set value is longer than the first alarm postponement time,

sending an alarm signal from the controller to an alarm device to issue an alarm

about leakage of refrigerant, or, when the controller determines that the elapsed time

during which the sensor output exceeds the second set value is longer than the

second alarm postponement time, sending an alarm signal from the controller to the

alarm device to issue an alarm about leakage of refrigerant.
[Claim 6]

The refrigerant leakage determination method of claim 5, further comprising the

steps of:

when the sensor output is greater than the second set value, storing an

abnormality record in a storage unit of the refrigerant detection sensor; and

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KPO-3860 after the abnormality record is stored in the storage unit, constantly transmitting

the sensor output that is greater than the second set value to the controller, by means

of a sensor control unit of the refrigerant detection sensor.